Colours to inspire you

Colour can make all the difference when decorating your home. Let's look at some of the more frequently used colours.

Whites open us to a world of possibilities. Whites look stunning with all colours, but perhaps reach true perfection when they’re combined with colours that have a boldness and strength of their own.

White has a wonderful way of making very different textures work together. Velvet and leather, stone and lacquer, smooth and rugged — lasting combinations. If you want to use several tones of white, use different finishes, too. The classic marriage of black and white is back but the relationship is on the quiet side; softer now, more subtle. Imagine an imposing piece of dark furniture in a pristine white setting.

Whatever the tone, whatever the setting, red is always vibrant. Play it in small doses — like a burst of laughter — or play it big to create a scene that is absolutely right for the times. Combine different intensities of red to create a sense of sophistication. Contrast reds with olive green or temper them with accents of beige or white.

Colour zoning is a brand new idea, a new way of thinking about colour in a space. For example, create a horizontal line by painting the bottom of a wall a different colour. Or extend the line of a low console by painting a colour zone right up to the ceiling. It’s a fabulous technique!

The use of green is especially appropriate near windows that open to a natural vista, whether it be a garden or a park or a forest. Green also helps diminish the boundary between interior and exterior.

It is the only colour that gives you the true proportions of a room; it doesn’t make a room appear larger or smaller. So in rooms with odd layouts or unusual angles, for example, smart designers instinctively opt for green. In too large a quantity, green can become cold. However, incorporated here and there, green is always welcome. Wake up your greens with a touch of red or orange.

Even in slightly stronger shades, blue lightens walls, enlarges spaces and cools the mood just a touch.

Blues, blacks and white create a wonderful palette for a modern contemporary look. Well known as the colour of serenity, dark blue is at its most calming and soothing when paired with carefully chosen beiges. The bonus is that the look is extremely chic!

Wed yellow to pale blue for an effect that’s as warm as it is eye-catching. To achieve perfect balance, juxtapose reds with medium blues. Add orange to the mix and you create an effect that is comfy and welcoming.

Pinks’ complementary colours vary according to the pink in question, but generally, you’ll find them in the pale green through turquoise range.

Put different pinks together in different variations to create a stunning space using tone on tones. For a sophisticated touch, use dark brown, either on a wall or as a colourful accent in the room’s furniture or accessories.

Don’t hesitate to use deep rose as an accent by adding elements such as a raw silk cushion. Fabulous!

  source: images - sico - dulux